xxxii INTRODUCTION 



in the niidst of an important election he hastened 

 to his brother's bedside, where he remained until 

 the 26th of February. 



A letter written by John to his wife at this time 

 reveals some interesting traits of the character of 

 both brothers. 



a 



To Mrs. Cartwright 



My Dearest and Best Friend, 

 I have the pleasure to report that I think my 

 brother much better; he makes very affectionate 

 inquiries after all at No. 17; and though he gave 

 me a little scolding in his way, for being at the 

 trouble of so long a journey, I am glad to see that 

 he is pleased with my coming. 



'' His voice is strong, and though not much in- 

 clined for conversation, can occasionally talk with 

 much animation of Hudson's Bay and a North- 

 west passage. The chief thing I observe a defi- 

 ciency in, (for the medical attendant is a man of 

 skill and experience,) is an inattention to have in 

 readiness suitable articles of nourishment. I am 

 not much skilled in such things, but have been of 

 some use in this respect. ' ' 



This improvement was of but short duration, 

 for soon after Captain George Cartwright was 

 again attacked by a severe illness, and on the 11th 

 of March, 1819,^ in the eighty-first year of his age, 

 he expired. 



1 This date, which is from Miss Cartwright's book, does not correspond 

 with the date given in the inscription ; if the difference were only twelve 

 days it might be explained by the difference between th^ old and the new 

 styles. 



